AFTER 37 years of trading, a Hampshire bookstore is in jeopardy and is appealing for your help to save it.

October Books based in Portswood has launched an appeal to raise the £6,000 it needs to renew its lease.

Without it the store could face the axe but staff are determined not to close.

The co-operatively run bookshop has been in Southampton for 37 years, and in Portswood Road for 11 years.

Staff say business has been affected by Southampton University’s Student Entitlement Card, which was introduced in 2011 and gives users £300 pre-loaded to buy books, stationery and other goods from John Smith’s shops and website.

However the card is now being phased out and October Books expect sales to recover as a result.

Ian Lamming, of October Books, said: “So many independent stores have been forced out of high streets by rising rents, high rates and taxes that small businesses struggle with, but we are determined not to be one of them.

“We know that October Books has many friends out there, and must have a future, so we are asking for help to get us through this sticky patch.

“We are appealing to our friends to come and buy an extra book and help us raise the £6,000 we need.”

The campaign is supported by leader of Southampton City Council, Simon Letts.

He said: “October Books is a Southampton institution, one of only a few remaining independent book sellers in Hampshire. I fully support their appeal at this time.”

To help the campaign or donate visit the store at 243, Portswood Road.